Show Notes
Overall Takeaways
Dr. Gerry: We have to receive in order to give.
Dr. Peter: What we judge most harshly in others is often what we hate about ourselves.
Key Verses from Sunday Mass Readings
“Here is my servant whom I uphold,
my chosen one with whom I am pleased,
upon whom I have put my spirit;
he shall bring forth justice to the nations,
not crying out, not shouting,
not making his voice heard in the street.
a bruised reed he shall not break,
and a smoldering wick he shall not quench.”
“In truth, I see that God shows no partiality.
Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly
is acceptable to him.”
“And a voice came from the heavens, saying,
‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.’”
Where Catholicism Meets Psychology
- When the prophet speaks of a “bruised reed” in this week’s first reading, he’s talking about us. Often, we may feel discarded if we are not “useful” as a bruised reed is no longer useful. However, Jesus comes to us in gentleness, welcoming us in our brokenness.
- Sometimes we reject ourselves, or reject others, because of imperfections. Jesus’ message is counter to that human tendency. He seeks the wounded.
- When we see something we don’t like in someone else, it’s often really something we hate in ourselves. Dr. Peter shares a personal example of hating weakness because of a wrong belief that he had to do everything himself. He recognized is as a survival instinct but also accepted his dependence on God.
- Jesus shows us the way through His baptism. God says, “you are my beloved Son,” before Jesus ever does anything in his public ministry. God loves Jesus for Who He is, not what He does.
- God puts His spirit in us. We have to be prepared to receive it first before we can give.
Action Plan for the Week
Dr. Peter: Look at who you judge and what you judge them for. Write down what you don’t like. See if you can embrace that in yourself and recognize some good it has brought you.
Dr. Gerry: Affirm someone today. Tell them a truth about who they are, not what they’ve done. Notice how they respond.